Discover Spark at Glyndebourne

On Saturday, 14 November 2026, Glyndebourne in Glynde will host the world premiere of Spark, a new family opera by composer Lucy Armstrong and librettist Olivia Bell. This enchanting production will run until Sunday, 15 November 2026, and features professional soloists, the Glyndebourne Sinfonia, and two youth choruses. The story follows 12-year-old Clara as she discovers a secret world on top of the chimneys, inhabited by spark monsters who protect lonely children.

The opera is a result of Glyndebourne's Balancing The Score scheme, which aims to develop new talent in the industry. Composer Lucy Armstrong, a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, cites Stephen Sondheim as a formative influence, and Spark will be her first opera. Librettist Olivia Bell has recently worked on a song-cycle for mezzo Helen Charlston and a carol for the London Mozart Players.

The production will feature a range of exciting elements, including 60 soot monsters, exploding fireworks, and wild tea-parties. The music will be conducted by Ashley Beauchamp, Music Director of Glyndebourne Youth Opera, and the staging will be directed by Fiona Dunn, with lighting designer Howard Hudson and costume designer Ryan Dawson Laight bringing the darkly mysterious and shimmering world to life. Tickets are with the button beside the article.